What is the currency of Morocco?

The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham, abbreviated MAD (or Dh). It is a closed currency, meaning you cannot purchase dirhams outside Morocco — you exchange money on arrival. 1 EUR ≈ 10.8 MAD · 1 USD ≈ 10.0 MAD · 1 GBP ≈ 12.6 MAD (rates vary). Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 centimes; 1, 2, 5, 10 dirhams. Notes: 20, 50, 100, 200 dirhams.

What is the best way to exchange money in Morocco?

The best way to exchange money in Morocco: (1) Bank ATMs in city centers — best rates, lowest fees. Wafa Bank, Attijariwafa, BMCE, and CIH have widespread ATMs; (2) Official bank bureaux de change in medinas and city centers — competitive rates; (3) Hotel exchange desks — convenient but rates are 3–5% worse. AVOID: airport exchange counters (poor rates), unlicensed money changers (illegal and risky). Note: the Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency — buy it in Morocco, not before departure.

Can I use a card in Morocco?

Yes, but with limitations. Cards are accepted at: upscale hotels and riads, major restaurants in tourist areas, larger souvenir shops and carpets emporiums, most petrol stations. Cards are NOT accepted at: medina souks and market stalls, small local restaurants (popular with locals), hammams, shared taxis, most small guesthouses. Rule of thumb: carry MAD 500–800 cash per person per day for medina shopping, day trips, and street food. ATMs are widely available in all cities.

How much cash should I bring to Morocco?

Budget guideline per person per day: Budget travel (MAD 300–500), Mid-range (MAD 500–900), Comfort/private tours (MAD 900–1,500). Specific costs: Street food / snack (MAD 10–30), Sit-down restaurant lunch (MAD 80–150), Medina guided walk tip (MAD 50–100), Camel ride 1h (MAD 100–200), Hammam traditional (MAD 50–100), Taxi within a city (MAD 20–50). For a 7-day trip, carry approximately MAD 2,000–4,000 depending on your spending style. Withdraw at ATMs in Marrakech/Fes rather than exchanging at the airport.

Is it customary to tip in Morocco?

Yes. Tipping is an important part of Moroccan culture: Restaurant: 10% of the bill (leave on the table); Private guide (full day): MAD 100–200; Riad staff: MAD 50–100 at checkout; Driver (private transfer): MAD 50–100 per day; Hammam attendant: MAD 20–50; Hotel porter: MAD 10–20 per bag; Camel handler: MAD 20–50. Note: tips in Morocco are typically given in cash, even where card payment is possible.

Can I take Moroccan Dirhams out of Morocco?

Technically, the Moroccan Dirham is a closed/restricted currency. You may take out up to MAD 1,000 in notes (small amounts for souvenirs). You cannot exchange MAD back to your home currency outside Morocco — most banks abroad will not accept dirhams. Plan to spend your dirhams before departure or use remaining cash at the airport. You can reconvert up to 50% of your original exchange receipt back to foreign currency at Moroccan airports on departure.

Morocco Money Guide · Updated 2026

Morocco Currency — Complete Guide to the Moroccan Dirham

Exchange rates, ATMs, cash vs card, tipping norms, and the one rule every Morocco traveler must know about MAD.

Quick Answer

Morocco currency at a glance

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD / Dh) — a closed currency, cannot be purchased outside Morocco
Best rate: Bank ATMs in city centers (Wafa, Attijariwafa, BMCE) — better than airport counters
Cards: Accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants — NOT in souks, local cafés, or taxis
Daily cash: MAD 500–900 per person covers meals, tips, and souk shopping
Tipping: 10% restaurants, MAD 100–200 guide (full day), MAD 50–100 driver

Exchange Rates

Moroccan Dirham (MAD) rates

Approximate rates as of April 2026. Check live rates at xe.com before travel.

Currency	Rate (1 unit → MAD)	Notes
EUR — Euro	≈ 10.8 MAD	Best rate in Morocco
USD — US Dollar	≈ 10.0 MAD	Widely accepted for exchange
GBP — British Pound	≈ 12.6 MAD	Good rate at bank ATMs
CAD — Canadian Dollar	≈ 7.3 MAD	Exchange via EUR/USD first
CHF — Swiss Franc	≈ 11.2 MAD	Accepted at major banks
AED — UAE Dirham	≈ 2.7 MAD	Exchangeable at major banks

Cash vs Card

When to use cash, when to use card

Always use cash

Medina souks & market stalls
Street food & local snacks
Shared taxis (petit taxis)
Traditional hammams
Tips for guides, drivers, staff
Small guesthouses & dars
Camel rides & activity providers

Cards usually accepted

4-5 star hotels and riads
Upscale restaurants in tourist areas
Larger carpet & art galleries
Supermarkets (Marjane, Label Vie)
Petrol stations on highways
Airport duty free
Most tour operators (incl. MSITravels)

Pro tip from Aziz: Notify your bank before travel and activate international withdrawals. Many banks block first-use withdrawals abroad without a pre-travel notification. Wise and Revolut cards have no foreign transaction fees and get excellent MAD rates.

FAQ

Morocco currency — frequently asked questions

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